Walk with Amal at the Beginning of Her New Journey

Posted by Kevin Clang, guest blogger of VisitMA.com

It’s not often that you get to actively participate in a unique art exhibit that will also help those in need across the world, but that’s exactly what you can do in meeting Little Amal.

Little Amal isn’t as little as you might think – she’s a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian child refugee. As part of a campaign called The Walk she’s traveled all around the world. Since 2021, she’s been to dozens of towns in 15 countries over 5,000 miles, meeting local leaders, activists, artists, and millions of others in person and online. Along the way, Amal has become a symbol for human rights and the rights of refugees. Now, Amal is making her way to the United States on a journey that will take her to 35 different cities across the country.

Like many immigrants and refugees over the years, Amal will start her American journey in Boston. At an event in Dewey Square near the entrance to Chinatown, Boston will welcome Amal in an examination and celebration of the city’s history of immigration. Amal’s few days in the city are packed with events where guests are welcome to walk with her and hear her story. Among the local neighborhoods and attractions Amal will visit are Harvard Yard, where she’ll explore Harvard University and Cambridge; East Boston, where she’ll greet kindergarteners on their first day of school; Roxbury, where she’ll participate in an event at the local library; and Fenway Park, where Amal will throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game.

From Boston, Amal will make her way West. In Ashfield, she’ll receive a ceremonial welcoming at the town common. From there she’ll travel to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams to admire their exhibits. Then Amal will be on her way to events in Hartford, Philadelphia, and over 30 other cities and towns before finally concluding her U.S. tour in San Diego on November 5.

Amal’s events raise funds and awareness for thousands of displaced children fleeing wars and persecution around the world. Nearly half of all refugees are children, many of whom have lost their opportunity for a formal education and are in need of any support we can offer. Each event along Amal’s journey is curated with local leaders and partners in order to maximize her impact. Her charity, The Amal Fund, supports groups that provide education, food, shelter, and medical supplies to refugees who desperately need them.

TOPICS: Ashfield, Boston, Cambridge, East Boston, Events, North Adams, Roxbury